Update: Anti-Gun “Peace Rally” at High School Postponed

A “No Community Without Unity Peace Rally” sponsored by “Ice The Beef” (ITB) advocacy group and scheduled for Sunday, February 13th has been postponed to Sunday, February 20th because of the snow storm.

The rally will be held at New Britain High School in the aftermath of the shooting of a student near the school on February 8th. Local officials and concerned residents, including Board of Education members, are expected to attend the rally organized by Ice The Beef, an anti-gun and youth empowerment organization .

The 16-year-old male victim was walking back to the high school after purchasing snacks at a nearby convenience store at mid-day, according to press reports. His injuries were not life threatening. The high school moved to lockdown and shelter in place procedures and no further threats occurred. New Britain Police are continuing the investigation and Chief of Police Christopher Chute asked the public to contact the police if they have any knowledge about the incident.

ITB was launched in 2011 by Darrell Allick whose older brother Donnel was fatally show in New Haven that year. Allick turned his attention to working with students to stem gun violence. ITB has grown into a nonprofit regional organization and has since expanded to Waterbury and other communities. Leading local efforts is Al Williams, a new member and central Connecticut vice president for ITB, who is lead organizer for the New Britain peace rally. A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University majoring in health and human services, Williams is the grandson of former Ward 3 Alderwoman and community leader Shirley Black.  Williams’ ITB role will be on support to the New Britain, Middletown and Meriden areas through youth mentorship programs, community events and anti-gun violence activities.